BookTokers, Bookstagramers, and avid Kindle users all over the internet are freaking out this week. On April 7, Amazon notified affected users that the company would end support for 13 devices, including nine Kindle e-readers.
Amazon is already facing a lot of backlash in the book world. Last year, Amazon launched a huge bookstore sale, coinciding with Independent Bookstore Day. This latest news has left some Kindle users with a bad taste in their mouths, and now some readers are asking, “Should I switch to Kobo?”
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While Kindle is the big name in e-readers, Kobos is on the rise.
We’ve tried and loved both the Kobo Clara and Kobo Libra, and the devices are as good as any Kindle. Kobo e-readers have features that Amazon left out of its Kindles, such as page-opening buttons, and seamless Libby integration. But if the decision to switch to Kobo is made out of concern that your current Kindle will end up bricked, then Kobo won’t solve the problem.
The abandonment of old technology is a sad reality of our modern age. Unlike a Kitchenaid mixer, which doesn’t need software updates to keep it running, a phone, computer, tablet, or e-reader will. Unfortunately, with such frequent product releases, we’re used to the planned obsolescence program. Therefore, there are changes when Google announces an automatic renewal program that makes Chromebooks last for ten years.
And to be honest, it’s surprising that Amazon devices that are at least 14 years old are still kicking it, which is a testament to the longevity of the device. However, it is understandable if you want to switch to Kobo. But our warning is to change it for the right reasons because there are many chances that Kobo e-reader readers will face the same problem.
Why not switch to Kobo from Kindle
If you want to switch to Kobo from Kindle because you think it won’t cut it, I have some bad news. Kobo also has a history of withdrawing devices and no longer supporting them with software updates. On the company’s website, they have a list of products, including e-readers, that they no longer support.
This is the end of any device that needs a regular software update.
Companies are also motivated to do this because it means pushing users to buy a new device, even if it frustrates the customer. And let’s clear up one misconception. Although Kindles and Kobos are no longer supported with software updates, these are past-gen devices it can be I’m still running. (Our colleagues at PCMag have advice for holding on to older Kindles.) It may mean they won’t be able to access the Internet anymore; however, users must still have access to the library currently on the device, and can add books by connecting it to a computer.
Another thing to keep in mind about switching to Kobo is that you won’t be able to transfer your library. Both Kindle and Kobo apply DRM to books purchased from their stores, which means you can only read those files on that particular e-reader product. However, you can still revisit those books with the Kindle app. Some users even recommend buying a used Kindle if you want to stick with the brand.
So, if you make a list of pros and cons, there are still many reasons why you should switch to Kobo.
Why you should switch to Kobo from Kindle
Kindle Scribe (left) and Kobo Libra (right).
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
There are many reasons to buy a Kobo. Across the board, Kobo e-readers are as fast and easy to use as any Kindle. They have an accessible user experience, but there are slight differences, such as how Kobo counts its pages based on digital pages while Kindle numbers are based on the physical book.
Unless your Kindle library is full of DRM-free EPUB files, you won’t be able to access any books you’ve purchased from your Kindle library on your new Kobo e-reader. But if you can get past that, there’s a lot to look forward to with Kobo.
Buttons to open the page
Older Kindle models have a desirable feature that newer models don’t have: page-turning buttons. With models like the Kindle 5 no longer supported and the Kindle Oasis discontinued, users no longer have a new purchase option that includes page-opening buttons.
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If you want those buttons, check out the Kobo Libra Color, which has two side-by-side page-turning buttons so you don’t have to tap the screen. Those buttons also mean there’s more room to hold the device, so it’s really comfortable to hold. The Kobo Libra Color also has something the Kindle doesn’t, an internal gyroscope, which means you can rotate the device to hold it with the opposite hand and the screen will rotate automatically.
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Native remote control
With just two buttons, the Kobo remote lets you turn the page forward and backward.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
For students who expand their reading space with an e-reader stand, the remote makes it easy to turn the pages while keeping your hands warm under a blanket. Kobo is the first e-reader brand to come out with a remote control to pair with their e-readers.
We tested the Kobo remote, and it moves, connects via Bluetooth, and is much better than any random remote you can find on Amazon to go with your Kindle.
Libby compilation
Libby users with a Kindle will enjoy even more direct integration with Kobo e-readers. On Kobo, you can sign in to your library card directly on your device and the books you borrow through Libby/Overdrive are automatically loaded on your device. The downside is that if you have multiple library cards that you use on Libby, you can only access one at a time on the Kobo e-reader.
Color at a cheap price
Kindle has its own range of e-readers, but Kobos are much cheaper.
The basic Kindle Colorsoft costs $199.99 while the same color Kobo Clara is just $159.99, which happens to be the same price as the Kindle Paperwhite. So if you’re looking to upgrade to a color e-reader anyway, it’s a great buy to do so with the Kobo.
